Artemisia ludoviciana 'Silver Queen'
western mugwort
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
- Position: full sun
- Soil: well-drained, fertile soil
- Rate of growth: fast-growing
- Flowering period: August to September
- Hardiness: fully hardy
Artemisias are prized for their fine, almost silver, aromatic foliage rather than for their flowers, which are dull and insignificant. This one has slender, silvery-white leaves that turn greener as they age and tiny, brownish-yellow, mimosa-like flowers in August and September. It is an ideal groundcover plant for a sunny, well-drained Mediterranean border or gravel garden. Drought tolerant once established, it's an excellent foil for white or brightly coloured flowers. Give it space to spread out. - Garden care: Cut back stems back to ground level in autumn and apply a generous mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant.